19 The Right Mentor

The business competition was drawing near, and the atmosphere on campus was becoming tense. In the cafeteria, in the hallways, and even in the library, conversations about business proposals became the main topic. Many students had already completed their proposals, and their ideas sounded impressive. However, one name kept coming up: William.

"He's the mayor's son, you know? Of course, he has access to great mentors and abundant resources," said one student.

"But what's his business idea? Does anyone know?" another student asked.

"No idea, but with his family's background, who could possibly compete with him?"

Calvin sat in a corner of the cafeteria, listening to the conversation without any interest in joining it. He stared at his open laptop, studying his business proposal and searching for any potential flaws that could raise questions. However, his gaze was distant, far from the screen, as his thoughts wandered elsewhere.

The memory of his conversation with his mother a few days ago kept haunting him. His father was still alive and wanted to end his life—it was a painful revelation for Calvin. What had he done wrong to that man to terrorize his mother?

"Damn! I can't focus!"

The name "Stuard" kept echoing in his mind. He hadn't expected that name to refer to a conglomerate family that dominated much of the country's industry. He had imagined a different kind of Stuard—perhaps a small-time thug or someone with an ordinary profession like his mother, who was just a property marketing agent. Yet, the thought wouldn't leave him. He felt the need to find out more, but he didn't know where to start.

"Calvin!" A loud voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Andreas, his classmate, was standing in front of his table.

"Hey, what's up?" Calvin asked, closing his laptop.

"You're joining the business proposal competition, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I just wanted to let you know there's a mentor visiting campus to coach the competition participants. He'll teach us public speaking, dissect our proposals, and give us tips to prepare for the selection process," Andreas explained.

Calvin frowned. "Really? Why am I just hearing about this?"

"I got the info from Professor Daniel. Not many people know about it. Most rich students even hire private mentors for themselves. I'm just looking for the free option," Andreas said.

Calvin hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. "Wow, you're inviting the right person! Okay, I'm in."

"Great!" Andreas replied enthusiastically.

They walked to the mentoring room in the business faculty building. However, when they arrived, the room looked deserted. Only a few chairs were occupied by students—no more than five. Andreas looked disappointed.

"It's so empty. I thought it would be crowded," he muttered.

But Calvin's attention was drawn to someone standing at the front of the room. A well-dressed man with a face that seemed somewhat familiar.

"Are you guys joining? Come on in!" the man greeted them.

"It's you!" Calvin exclaimed.

"Me? Who? Do we know each other?" The man seemed to rack his brain.

"Not exactly. But you're the one who encouraged me to join this competition, in the corridor near the bulletin board! We met there," Calvin explained.

"Ah, right! No wonder your face looks familiar," the man replied.

"I'm Calvin, sir!" Calvin said enthusiastically, extending his hand for a handshake.

"I'm Bastian! Well, you're a friendly young man!"

"I'm Andreas, sir!"

"Nice to meet you, Andreas. Come on in! Seven participants, huh? Not bad—I like small classes," Bastian said, still maintaining a positive outlook despite the small turnout.

The mentoring session began with introductions. Bastian asked each student to briefly explain their business ideas. He started calling on each participant individually for private mentoring. Bastian was meticulous about maintaining the privacy of his students' ideas. He gave feedback one by one until it was Calvin's turn, presenting a fairly unique idea.

"Wow, combining technology with the food business. Interesting, but I have a question," Bastian said.

"Yes, please go ahead," Calvin replied.

"If your business proposal gets approved, how will it be implemented? Are you an IT specialist? Please explain," asked Bastian.

"I have a friend who's an IT student; she can create an app like this and is currently working on its development," Calvin explained.

"That's it? Is that all?" Bastian responded, sounding unsatisfied.

"Um, is that not convincing enough?" Calvin asked hesitantly.

"I see your train of thought, but if you answer like that to the judges, they'll immediately discard your proposal," Bastian said firmly.

"What do you suggest I do?" asked Calvin.

"IT development intended for broad market applications must be tested and handled by a reputable IT company," Bastian explained.

"But it's my friend's idea!"

"If that's the case, have your friend join a trusted IT company. The idea can be developed there, tested, and then applied to the public," Bastian replied.

"I see. But I don’t understand IT; I only created a structured flow for the business concept," Calvin clarified.

"If that's the case, you need to adjust your answer," Bastian said.

"How, sir?"

Bastian gave a slight smile and calmly explained, "Here’s how, Calvin. Even if you're not from an IT background, you can still convince the judges without appearing to shirk responsibility. Explain that this idea is a result of team collaboration. Mention that your IT friend has started developing the prototype, and your role is to ensure the business idea aligns with market analysis and the financial plan you've prepared. Emphasize that you're part of a solid team with complementary roles. This demonstrates your understanding of teamwork and individual responsibilities."

Calvin listened intently. "So, I should highlight teamwork?"

"Exactly," Bastian replied. "You could say something like this: 'This idea was designed by me as an expert in market analysis and business strategy, while the technological aspects are developed by my team member who specializes in IT. We work together to ensure this product is practical and sustainable.' With that kind of response, the judges will see you as a visionary yet realistic leader."

Calvin nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the guidance. "Thank you, sir. That’s very helpful."

"And about the food aspect! How will you find the right vendors that match the user's mood? For example, if I'm laughing, and the app detects I'm happy and recommends a healthy meal suitable for my age, it would suggest a specific restaurant with delivery service, right? How will you establish partnerships with them?" Bastian asked, testing him further.

Calvin swallowed hard—it was a tough question. He stared at Bastian with wide eyes, then shifted his gaze to the table, trying to formulate an answer. He took a deep breath but still couldn't immediately find the right words.

"Um… well… I think…" Calvin scratched his neck awkwardly. "Honestly, I haven’t really thought through that detail, sir. I mean, the concept focuses on recommendations based on user moods, but as for partnerships with restaurants... I don’t have a clear idea yet."

Bastian gave Calvin a sharp look, though not without empathy. "Calvin, don't be afraid to admit that you haven’t thought of something, but don't stop there. Show the judges that you have a plan to find a solution. For example, you could say that you will conduct research to find suitable vendors or even survey users to determine their preferences. This will show that, even if it's incomplete, you have a clear direction."

Calvin nodded slowly, still looking nervous. "So, I should say that I will gather data and reach out to vendors that fit the criteria?"

"Yes, exactly," Bastian replied firmly. "Also mention that you'll start with local vendors to build relationships more easily. This way, the judges will see that you not only have a big vision but also realistic steps to achieve it."

Calvin looked at Bastian with a sense of relief. "Alright, sir. I'll remember that. Thank you very much."

Bastian gave a faint smile. "Remember, Calvin, being a leader doesn't mean you have to know everything. It means you know how to find the answers."